Polipropilene Curv, opaco, nero

Attributes: Its unusual toughness together with the fact that it is tear-proof makes polypropylene a material with a wide spectrum of applications. It is light, antistatic, scratch-resistant, resistant to numerous chemicals, UV-stable, temperature-resistant from -10 °C to +110 °C and, last but not least, environmentally friendly because of the fact that it contains hardly any additives and burns down to water and carbon dioxide under favourable conditions.

Applications: Even though many of our polypropylene sheets are corona treated and can therefore be glued with relatively good success, it is generally true that glue work with polypropylene (and polyethylene) is much more problematic than it is with other plastics. If the areas to be glued are first treated with POLY-PRIMER, small area gluing can be successful using SUPER GLUE. This technique, however, is not good enough for constructive uses. Mechanically produced connections like, for example, RIVETS, are a much better method – plug-and-socket connections or hook-and-loop tapes (whose glue backing sticks relatively well to this material) can also be used successfully. The idea of using hook-and-loop tape for large area bonding leads to the further possibility of employing DOUBLE-SIDED ADHESIVE FILM.

Attributes: it comes in a grey-black colour which still allows the texture to shine through thereby indicating that it must be a fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP). But this is not the case! The 'Curv' material is made from 100% polypropylene (PP). It was developed as an alternative to fibre glass reinforced plastic pieces (GRP) in order to conform to ever more stringent environment regulations and future legal regulations pertaining to the recycling of old automobiles. Fibre reinforced polymers have the disadvantage that they present difficulties during the process of trying to separate out the pure forms of materials whereby the fibres must be differentiated from the plastic. This is where the Curv material, which has very similar attributes as GRP as far as both materials' suitability for use in light constructions and furniture making, distinguishes itself.

Its comparable strength values vis-a-vis GFK, the light weight (20 - 30% lighter than GFK) and its high impact resistance are the result of the construction of the material out of textile weave structures which are fused together in a heated compression mould. The final result is a sheet material with a smooth surface which has a many times greater degree of stiffness and strength than conventional materials. Such self-reinforced thermoplastics are also much more impact resistant, more temperature resistant and resistant to wear and tear. Its expansion under heat is only half as great as well. Its density is less than that of glass fibre reinforced plastic. In addition, the good mechanical values allow a reduction in wall thicknesses by up to 30%. This material will also not splinter or split, is very abrasion resistant and can withstand chemical substances.

Applications: The manufacturer envisions the use of Curv primarily in the automobile industry for making, for example, bumpers, wheel houses, lorry superstructures, interior panels or luggage racks. In addition, this material is suitable for use wherever light construction demands need to be filled - i.e for products like suitcases, protectors or speakers. Curv is already being used for making surfboards and kite boards. It could also be conceivably used for trade show stands and furniture.

Treatment: Thin Curv sheets (0.35;0.66 mm) can be bent, edged and cut with the standard tools (blade or shears). A water-jet or a circular saw can be used for cutting thicker versions. Curv displays the attributes of a thermoplastic, becomes soft when heated and can be shaped to your specifications. In contrast to normal thermoplastics, however, Curv still maintains a high degree of stability when heated because of the orientation of the woven fabrics which make it up but can only be reshaped by means of a stamp in a compression mould because precise edges can only be achieved under a pressure of 15 bar (which means that vacuum moulding is not possible). Join connections can only be made by means of ultrasonic or high frequency welding. Polypropylene is basically difficult to glue. If the requirements of a glued joint are fairly low, a joining can be achieved by means of SUPER GLUE used in conjunction with WEICON CONTACT PRIMER.